Electric Ireland, the third largest electricity supplier in Northern Ireland, has announced today (9 December 2022) it is increasing electricity prices by 23.9% for customers from 1 January 2023.
This price increase comes into effect at the same time as the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) rate for electricity changes to a discount of 13.6p/kWh (previously 19.9p/kWh). This means that the typical credit meter and pay as you go customer will see bills rise by around £504 per year.
Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council, said: “This increase announcement by Electric Ireland is really disappointing news, particularly given other energy suppliers have recently announced tariff decreases, and will adversely impact approximately 90,000 Electric Ireland customers many of whom are already experiencing financial pressures on their household budget.”
“We know that so many consumers in Northern Ireland are really worried about their bills and we urge anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills or top-up their meters to contact their supplier directly for help and support. We would encourage all consumers to think about ways they can reduce their energy costs. Switching payment option, changing billing method or switching supplier can save some money.”
To take the hassle out of switching, the Consumer Council’s free online Energy Price Comparison Tool on its website, lets consumers see all available tariffs from all suppliers in one place. This empowers consumers to check which options give them the best deal for their energy. Electricity and gas supplies won’t be interrupted during the switching process.
Electric Ireland have confirmed that as part of their licensing agreement, there will be no exit fee applied to customers who switch to another supplier before 31 December 2022.
The Consumer Council is currently running its ‘save money and energy campaign’ which sets out support and advice to help households save money on their bills this winter by reducing their energy usage through adopting energy efficiency measures. The advice and guidance, including an overview of all financial help, grants, and schemes that are currently available to consumers, is available at www.consumercouncil.org.uk/costofliving/energy
Consumers can get in touch with the Consumer Council for free independent advice by calling FREEPHONE 0800 121 6022 or by emailing [email protected].